Hammock system, apparatus and kit

ABSTRACT

A hammock system, kit, and apparatus with a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and accessories that are selectably removable and re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order. A hammock bed has first and second bed coupling structures (e.g. zippers) disposed along each longitudinal sides such that accessories are selectably coupled thereto; a first hammock accessory (e.g. water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, and ground tarps) having a first accessory coupling structure that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures; and a second hammock accessory (e.g. a powered accessory e.g. an array of lights, a fan, a powered heating elements, and an audio speaker) having a second accessory coupling structure that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures. One or more splitters/extenders may be included.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to outdoor sleeping systems, specifically to hammocks.

Description of the Related Art

Sleeping systems and the like are plethoric and have ancient roots as reclining is a common human activity. Various pieces of furniture have been developed over the centuries to facilitate this activity. Such include, but are not limited to beds, cots, couches, reclining chairs, and the like. Some have been developed to be highly portable (e.g. sleeping bags), while others are fixed to a dwelling (e.g. murphy beds), with most being somewhere in-between.

The hammock was developed to provide a light and comfortable bedding/reclining that is suitable for outdoor use. Indeed, hammocks are generally a bedding sling supported between two adjacent trees, posts, or other similar outdoor structures. They find their roots in Central and South America. Early hammocks were woven from the bark of the hammock tree. They were popular because they beneficially raised the sleeper from the ground and thereby protected them from disease transmission, insect stings and animal bites.

Hammocks have also been used aboard ships and other water vessels as a comfortable and light sleeping structure that maximizes available space. They have also been used in place of cribs to contain and support babies. They are often used, today, as a comfortable and relaxing rest structure, typically associated with lounging on a beach or camping in comfort.

In the related art, it has been known to use various accessories with hammocks to provide additional comforts. As a non-limiting example, tent-like structures of water-proof materials or of netting are sometimes erected over a hammock to protect from the elements and/or insects. Additionally, some hammocks have a “spreader bar” on one or both ends of the hammock that keep the hammock spread open by rigidly fixing the hammock and/or its cords along a length of the spreader bar. Further, hammocks of various styles and types have been developed, including but not limited to Mayan hammocks, Nicaraguan hammocks, Brazilian hammocks, Naval hammocks, Venezuelan (jungle) hammocks, and travel/camping hammocks,

Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,906, issued to Jordon, discloses a tent-hammock combination, in which up to five separate structures may be formed. The first is a hammock, the second is a hanging pup tent with the hammock serving as the floor of the tent, the third a lean-to, the fourth a ground pup tent, and the fifth a family-sized tent made by transforming and joining two group pup tents. The transition from ground pup tent to either the lean-to or family-sized tent is achieved by disconnecting the rear wall of the tent or pair of tents and pivoting its upwardly. In the lean-to version, the rear wall is pivoted until it is horizontal. In the family-sized tent, the rear wall is pivoted until it forms one continuous planar surface with the front wall, after which two such transformed tents are joined to form the large, family-sized tent. In the family-sized tent, two triangular material inserts are used to fill in the vacant volume formed in each tent when the tent's rear wall has been pivoted upwardly. The two tents are joined by mating zipper portions formed in oppositely-disposed, facing edges of triangular inserts of the two facing tents. The poles for erecting each tent are the same as those used for the family-sized tent. The two tents are also interconnected along the structural tubes at each end of the hammock by an T-bar accessory. These structural tubes not only allow for the hanging of the hammock, but also serve to hold an end of the erecting pole for erecting the tent which is detachably secured to the hammock via cooperating zipper portions.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,936,034, issued to Rhett, J R, discloses a hammock enclosure including a rain fly, insect netting, and a load-bearing gear sling for providing the user of the hammock protection from rain, wind, and insects, and for permitting gear suspended above the ground surface to be stored in the same protected area, while providing access to the gear from both inside and outside of the enclosure, is described. The enclosure further includes opposing tubular end portions disposed in the rain fly through which the load-bearing suspension lines of the hammock pass, whereby protection is provided without having to deploy the enclosure such that it is centered over the hammock, once the tubular end portions are tightened about the suspension lines. The tubular portions further permit the present enclosure to be used with any camping hammock.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,991, issued to Johnson, discloses a covered hammock that acts as both a hammock and a ground tent is disclosed which has a plurality of curved support means for keeping the upper fabric off the user and also for supporting the device as a tent when used on the ground.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20160262552 by Scarleski, discloses a multiple layer mattress system is disclosed which addresses the issue of degradation of the elasticity of a foam mattress core. In one embodiment, the multiple layer mattress is formed with split layers; namely, one or more comfort layers and one or more support layers. Each layer is encased with an encasement which includes complementary chiral zippers to enable the comfort layer and the support layer to be removably secured together. The chiral zippers allow the various layers to be rotated 180° relative to each other and reconnected thereto. Layers can also be added to the mattress or replaced to suit a user's comfort level. Optionally, a separate cover may be selectively secured to the top of a comfort layer and/or the bottom of the support layer for accessories. The optional bottom accessory cover may be used to provide active or passive maneuvering of the support layer relative to a foundation. The optional top accessory layer may provide for various accessories including: a protective cover; a heating pad, a smart tech cover, for example, as illustrated at lunasleep.com; a launderable cover; a pillow top and other accessories. An aftermarket mattress encasement is also disclosed that includes a top cover and a bottom cover connectable together by way of a chiral zipper system that allows accessories to be secured on top of a conventional mattress.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20150034137 by Tanaeim, discloses a system for illuminating an interior of a tent with one or more lights is disclosed. The system includes one or more light strips that are attached to a seam between two panels of the tent. The light strips are located on an interior surface of the tent. A light strip may include one or more tight sources, such as an LED light.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being inconvenient, being expensive, requiring multiple duplicative hammocks, not being customized/customizable, being difficult to use, not able to be modified to fit changing requirements, not being water-proof/resistant, failing to adapt to varying situations, and not being easy to set up.

What is needed is a hammock system, apparatus, and/or kit that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available sleeping systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a hammock system, apparatus, and/or kit.

In one non-limiting embodiment, there is a hammock system, including a hammock bed that may have a flexible support member that may have connectors at each of a first end and/or a second end for coupling to external supports, the support member that may have first and/or second longitudinal sides each extending between the first and/or second ends, that may further include first and/or second bed coupling structures that may be disposed along each of the first and/or second longitudinal sides, respectively, of the hammock bed opposite from each other such that accessories may be selectably coupled along each of the first and/or second longitudinal sides of the hammock bed; a a first hammock accessory that may have a first accessory coupling structure that may be selectably couplable to one or more of the first and/or second bed coupling structures; and/or a second hammock accessory that may have a second accessory coupling structure that may be selectably couplable to each of the first and/or second bed coupling structures.

It may be that the first and/or second bed coupling structures and/or the first and/or second accessory coupling structures are one, more, or all of a type of coupling structure selected from the group of coupling structures consisting of: zippers, hook-and-loop, snaps, mating straps and/or buckles, and/or clips. It may be that the first hammock accessory includes a first opposite accessory coupling structure that may be disposed opposite the first accessory coupling structure and/or wherein the second accessory coupling structure is selectably couplable thereto, such that the first and/or second hammock accessories may be coupled together in series. It may be that the first hammock accessory is selected from the group of hammock accessories consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, and/or ground tarps. It may be that the second hammock accessory is a powered accessory that may be selected from the group of powered accessories consisting of: an array of lights, a fan, a powered heating elements, and/or an audio speaker.

The hammock system may include a splitter accessory that may include a first splitter coupling structure that may be selectably coupleable to one, more, or all of the first and/or second bed coupling structures, the first splitter coupling structure may be physically coupled to an array of additional coupling structures splayed therefrom such that the first hammock accessory and/or the second hammock accessory may be coupled thereto in parallel.

In another non-limiting embodiment, there is a hammock system including a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and/or accessories that may be selectably removable and/or re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order.

It may be that the hammock parts include a hammock bed and/or at least two hammock parts selected from the group of hammock parts consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, ground tarps, side-bags, and/or powered accessories. It may be that the powered accessory is selected from the group of powered accessories consisting of: an array of lights, a fan, a powered heating elements, and/or an audio speaker. It may be that the hammock parts are selectably coupled to each other by operation of longitudinal universal connectors that may be disposed along longitudinal ends of each of the parts. It may be that the universal connectors are selected from the group of connectors consisting of: zippers, hook-and/or-loop strips, and/or snaps.

The hammock system may include a wrap-around waterproof cover that may couple to an exterior of itself while wrapped about the rest of the hammock parts. The hammock system may include a pair of hammock extension winglets that may be coupled to opposite sides of a hammock bed.

In still another non-limiting embodiment, there is a hammock kit, including a hammock base that may be shaped to operate as a hammock bed and/or including universal coupling structures that may extend longitudinally along each long-side of the hammock base, wherein universal coupling structures may selectably couple to and/or decouple from each other; a plurality of hammock accessories, one, more or all including at least one universal coupling structure; and/or a container that may be shaped and/or sized to contain all other components of the hammock kit. There may be a powered accessory that may include a power supply and/or an electronic device that may be functionally coupled to the power supply. It may be that the plurality of hammock accessories are selected from the group of hammock accessories consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, and/or ground tarps. There may be a splitter attachment and/or an extender attachment, and it may be that each includes one or more universal coupling structures.

In still yet another non-limiting embodiment, there is a hammock apparatus, consisting of a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and/or accessories that are selectably removable and/or re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order. It may be that the plurality of hammock accessories are selected from the group of hammock accessories consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, ground tarps, and/or powered accessories.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hammock kit in operation according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a coupling between kit components of a hammock kit according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a powered attachment member according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a component diagram of a hammock kit according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a splitter attachment according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a splitter attachment according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an extender attachment according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an extender attachment with zipper sliders according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an extender attachment according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an extender attachment in operation according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 11-16 are cross-sectional views of assembled hammocks according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of programmable or executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function.

Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module. Indeed, a module and/or a program of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

The various system components and/or modules discussed herein may include one or more of the following: a host server, motherboard, network, chipset or other computing system including a processor for processing digital data; a memory device coupled to a processor for storing digital data; an input digitizer coupled to a processor for inputting digital data; an application program stored in a memory device and accessible by a processor for directing processing of digital data by the processor; a display device coupled to a processor and/or a memory device for displaying information derived from digital data processed by the processor; and a plurality of databases including memory device(s) and/or hardware/software driven logical data storage structure(s).

Various databases/memory devices described herein may include records associated with one or more functions, purposes, intended beneficiaries, benefits and the like of one or more modules as described herein or as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize as appropriate and/or like data useful in the operation of the present invention.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any computers discussed herein may include an operating system, such as but not limited to: Android, iOS, BSD, IBM z/OS, Windows Phone, Windows CE, Palm OS, Windows Vista, NT, 95/98/2000, OS X, OS2; QNX, UNIX; GNU/Linux; Solaris; MacOS; and etc., as well as various conventional support software and drivers typically associated with computers. The computers may be in a home, industrial or business environment with access to a network. In an exemplary embodiment, access is through the Internet through a commercially-available web-browser software package, including but not limited to Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Safari.

The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components, functions, options, screen shots, user interactions, optional selections, various processing steps, features, user interfaces, and the like. Each of such described herein may be one or more modules in exemplary embodiments of the invention even if not expressly named herein as being a module. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks and etc. may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, scripts, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the present invention may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as but not limited to Eiffel, Haskell, C, C++, Java, Python, COBOL, Ruby, assembler, Groovy, PERL, Ada, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, AJAX, Bean Shell, and extensible markup language (XML), with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the like. Still further, the invention may detect or prevent security issues with a client-side scripting language, such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like.

Additionally, many of the functional units and/or modules herein are described as being “in communication” with other functional units, third party devices/systems and/or modules, Being “in communication” refers to any manner and/or way in which functional units and/or modules, such as, but not limited to, computers, networks, mobile devices, program blocks, chips, scripts, drivers, instruction sets, databases and other types of hardware and/or software, may be in communication with each other. Some non-limiting examples include communicating, sending, and/or receiving data and metadata via: a wired network, a wireless network, shared access databases, circuitry, phone lines, internet backbones, transponders, network cards, busses, satellite signals, electric signals, electrical and magnetic fields and/or pulses, and/or so forth.

As used herein, the term “network” includes any electronic communications means which incorporates both hardware and software components of such. Communication among the parties in accordance with the present invention may be accomplished through any suitable communication channels, such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, Internet, point of interaction device (point of sale device, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, kiosk, etc.), online communications, off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder communications, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), networked or linked devices and/or the like. Moreover, although the invention may be implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols, the invention may also be implemented using other protocols, including but not limited to IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI or any number of existing or future protocols. If the network is in the nature of a public network, such as the Internet, it may be advantageous to presume the network to be insecure and open to eavesdroppers. Specific information related to the protocols, standards, and application software utilized in connection with the Internet is generally known to those skilled in the art and, as such, need not be detailed herein. See, for example, DILIP NAIK, INTERNET STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS (1998); JAVA 2 COMPLETE, various authors, (Sybex 1999); DEBORAH RAY AND ERIC RAY, MASTERING HTML 4.0 (1997); and LOSHIN, TCP/IP CLEARLY EXPLAINED (1997), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hammock kit/system/apparatus 100 in operation according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a hammock with bed coupling structures 116, 118 along each longitudinal side with a person 114 reclining therein between the longitudinal sides and accessories 120, 122 disposed on the ground near the hammock bed 110.

The illustrated hammock bed 110 has a flexible support member (on which the person 114 rests) having connectors 130, 132 at each end coupled to external supports 112. The illustrated connectors include cords 130 that are functionally coupled to the hammock bed and, each set respectively, to a pair of ties/collars 132 that coupled about the illustrated trees 132. The hammock bed is generally of a flexible fabric/net selected to provide comfort and strength, Such may also be selected to be water-proof and/or water-resistant and/or to be a breathable fabric. Extending along the longitudinal sides (i.e. the “long sides” that form the side-to-side boundary of the bed) of the hammock bed are bed coupling structures 116, 118.

The illustrated bed coupling structures 116, 118 are connection devices that allow the bed to couple to the illustrated accessory 122 and to accessories disposed within the accessory bag 120. They are, generally, universal connectors, meaning that they connect to each other in an interchangeable manner, such that the accessories are able to couple to each other and to the bed. The illustrated bed coupling structures are lengths of zipper teeth, also known in the art of zippers as “elements.” Other universal connector types are contemplated herein, including but not limited to hook-and-loop, snaps, mating straps and buckles, and clips. Generally, within a kit, the bed and the accessories would have all the same type of universal connectors such that each is couplable to the others.

The illustrated accessory bag 120 includes a plurality of accessories that are each able to selectably couple to each other and to the hammock bed coupling structures 118, 118. Non-limiting examples of such accessories include: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells (See FIG. 11), vented covers (See FIG. 15), extension winglets (See FIG. 16), side-bags (See FIGS. 13 and 14), and ground tarps (See FIG. 15) as well as powered accessories (See FIGS. 3 and 12), such as but not limited to an array of lights, a fan, a powered heating elements, and an audio speaker. There may be accessories whose primary purpose is to allow for variety in coupling configurations, such as but not limited to splitters (See FIGS. 5-6), extenders (See FIGS. 7-9), coupling structure gender changers, and the like and combinations thereof. In one, non-limiting example, there is a splitter accessory including a first splitter coupling structure that is selectably coupleable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures 116, 118, the first splitter coupling structure being physically coupled to an array of additional coupling structures splayed therefrom such that the first hammock accessory and the second hammock accessory may be coupled thereto in parallel (See FIGS. 5 and 6).

The illustrated accessory 122 is a sheet of flexible material having universal connectors 124, 126 on each of its longitudinal sides, wherein the illustrated universal connectors are zippers having a slider 128 coupled to one 124 thereof. The illustrated accessory is an example of a gender changing accessory in that one universal connector has a slider and the other does not, therefore a connection structure of one is different from the other while each are still couplable. As another example, in hook-and-loop coupling structures, hook is one gender and loop is the other. The illustrated sheet of flexible material may be a waterproof cover, blanket, and/or mosquito netting. Where it is mosquito netting, it may be that there is an opposite side that include additional coupling structures so that the body of the mosquito netting may be held up by a line strung between the trees 112 higher than the hammock, thereby keeping the mosquito netting off the face of the person 114. Where the sheet is a waterproof cover, it may be a thin sheet of waterproof fabric, generally of tightly woven polymers nylon) that may be treated with hydrophobic materials. Where the sheet is a blanket, it may be a woven fabric having insulating properties (e.g. wool blanket, emergency blanket, cotton, nylon) generally due to its ability to trap air.

The illustrated hammock bed has a flexible support member 110 having connectors 132 at each of a first end and a second end for coupling to external supports, the flexible support member 110 having first and second longitudinal sides each extending between the first and second ends, further including first and second bed coupling structures 116, 118 disposed along each of the first and second longitudinal sides, respectively, of the hammock bed opposite from each other such that accessories may be selectably coupled along each of the first and second longitudinal sides of the hammock bed. There is shown a first hammock accessory 122 having a first accessory coupling structure 124, 126 that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures 116, 118. There is shown an accessory bag 120 that includes a second hammock accessory having a second accessory coupling stricture that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures. Accordingly, a user of the illustrated hammock is able to operate the same in multiple configurations without requiring additional supports, tools, poles, tie-downs and the like. FIGS. 11-16 show non-limiting exemplary configurations that may be achievable with a hammock system/kit as described herein.

In one non-limiting embodiment, there is a hammock system, kit, and/or apparatus with a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and accessories that are selectably removable and re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order. A hammock bed has first and second bed coupling structures (e.g. zippers) disposed along each longitudinal sides such that accessories are selectably coupled thereto; a first hammock accessory (e.g. water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, and ground tarps) having a first accessory coupling structure that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures; and a second hammock accessory (e.g. a powered accessory e.g. an array of lights, a fan, a powered heating elements, and an audio speaker) having a second accessory coupling structure that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures. One or more splitters/extenders may be included.

In another non-limiting embodiment there is a zippered hammock system that is designed to be a one-hammock serves all. One does not have to have different hammocks for different accessories and instead can just customize their with the varied accessories. Accordingly, one hammock may serve every purpose. It may include a base hammock with zippers that allows you to attach zippered accessories to the hammock. The base hammock may have a zipper on each side of the hammock that is a universal attachment for all of the accessories. Each accessory also has one zipper on each side that is a universal attachment to the others. There is an accessory that zips all around the hammock and makes it water resistant and then zips to itself (e.g. See FIG. 11). There may be splitter zipper accessories (e.g. See FIGS. 5-6) that allow for parallel zipping to allow accessories to stack (e.g. See FIG. 15).

Advantageously, a user of a hammock system, apparatus, and/or kit as described herein has a convenient customizable hammock that is usable in a variety of manners/modes without requiring the user to purchase a plurality of different hammocks. Such a hammock may be modified to fit changing requirements due to weather (e.g. waterproof if raining)), climate, intended use, different users, and even desire and whim of the user. The illustrated hammock is easy to use and modify, since all that is required is to be able to operate a universal connector (e.g. zipper). Such a system is much easier to set up than other systems that require tent-like poles to support accessories. It is also compact and may be used during hiking/camping, even replacing a tent. Since the hammock holds the user above the ground, it is more comfortable than a tent and safer from animals/insects, while having all and more of the benefits of a tent while being easier to set up and take down.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a coupling between kit components 210, 212 of a hammock kit according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a pair of mating hook-and-loop style universal coupling members wherein the bottom structure 216, 218 is bi-gender (i.e. one of the strips 216, 218 is hook and the other is loop) so as to be able to couple to either gender of hook-and-loop style coupling structure and the top structure 214 is of a single type, able to couple to the bottom. The illustrated components 210, 212 may include a hammock bed and/or any of the accessories described herein.

In one non-limiting example, a hammock bed may include a hi-gender bed coupling structure such as that illustrated in FIG. 2, and/or an array of multiple connectors (e.g. two strips of hook-and-loop, three zipper elements lined up side by side) such that the hammock bed may more easily attach to various accessories and/or may stack the same without need for an additional splitter accessory.

FIG. 3 is a powered attachment member/accessory 300 according to one embodiment of the invention. The powered accessory 300 includes powered device(s) disposed between universal coupling structures 310, 312 so that the powered accessory may be coupled to one or more accessories and/or hammock beds.

There is shown a powered accessory 300 having a power supply module (power supply) 320 disposed between universal coupling structures 310, 312 (e.g. zippers, hook-and-loop strips, snaps) such that when such universal coupling structures 310, 312 are coupled to a hammock system, the powered accessory is usable therewith. The power supply 320 is coupled to a control module 330 and thereby to an array of powered component modules (powered components) 340 by a power conduit 350 (e.g. a conductive wire). Accordingly, the powered components are able to receive power and function.

The illustrated power supply 320 may be of any type sufficient to provide power needed to operate the powered components. Non-limiting examples of such power supplies include: batteries, solar cells, power converters/transformers, inductive power supplies, capacitors and the like and combinations thereof.

The illustrated control module 330 may be of any type sufficient to allow a user to control the operation of the powered components. Such may be as simple as a mechanical switch that allows/restricts power flow from the power supply to the components. Such may include additional features such as but not limited to power regulation, dimming/speed/volume controls, wireless communication (e.g. radio communication such as that provided using components by the BlueTooth brand), and the like and combinations thereof.

The illustrated powered components may be of any type such that desired function occurs. Non-limiting examples of such powered components include: lights, fans, heating elements, audio speakers, and the like and combinations thereof. As a non-limiting example, there may be a powered accessory that includes LED lights and small speakers coupled to a rechargeable battery through a blue-tooth control module that couples to an application on a smartphone/tablet/etc. of the user so that the user may play music and control lighting through their smartphone. The user may then couple that powered accessory to their hammock bed (e.g. See FIG. 12) and thereby enjoy light and music while reclining on the hammock bed.

FIG. 4 is a component diagram of a hammock kit according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a hammock kit 400 including a base hammock 410, one or more attachment accessories 420, a container 430, one or more coverings 440, one or more powered attachments 450, and one or more side bags, and etc. 460. Advantageously, the illustrated hammock kit is configurable in a great variety of modes to thereby serve a great variety of purposes and needs without requiring the purchase/carrying of additional hammocks.

The illustrated base hammock 410 may be of any type of hammock currently known or otherwise (e.g. Mayan hammocks, Nicaraguan hammocks, Brazilian hammocks, Naval hammocks, Venezuelan (jungle) hammocks, and travel/camping hammocks). The hammock base is shaped to operate as a hammock bed and includes universal coupling structures extending longitudinally along each long-side of the hammock base, wherein universal coupling structures selectably couple to and decouple from each other. Accordingly, the hammock bed serves to operate as a coupling base to which other components may attach.

The illustrated attachment accessories 420 each include at least one universal coupling structure, and thereby are able to couple to each other and/or to the hammock base. Such attachment accessories may include splitters, extenders, gender changers, and the like and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the kit has the ability to create a plethora of modes of configuration amongst the various accessories.

The illustrated container 430 is shaped and sized to contain all other components of the hammock kit such that the kit may be stored and/or transported together. Such a container may be simple bag (e.g. stuff bag similar to sleeping hag/tent stuff bags). Alternatively, the container may be more complicated, as in multi-pocket luggage. The container may be hard or soft shelled. The container may include wheels, handles, grips, straps, and/or the like to facilitate in the storage and/or transport of the same.

The illustrated coverings 440 each include at least one universal coupling structure, and thereby are able to couple to each other and/or to the hammock base. Such covering accessories may include waterproof covers, waterproof wraps, vented covers, mosquito nettings, blankets, and the like and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the kit has the ability to cover and protect a user from the elements/etc. and help keep the user comfortable.

The illustrated powered attachments 450 each include at least one universal coupling structure, and thereby are able to couple to each other and/or to the hammock base. Such powered attachment accessories may include fans, speakers, lights, video displays, gps units, computing devices, wireless communication modules, emergency signal generators, power adapters, recharging stations, clocks, timers, alarms, sensors, light detectors, motion detectors, and the like and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the kit provides additional comfort, safety, entertainment, protection, and/or convenience.

The illustrated side bags and etc. 460 each include at least one universal coupling structure, and thereby are able to couple to each other and/or to the hammock base. Such miscellaneous accessories may include: side bags, tarps, winglets, pillows, water containers, vents, screens, and the like and combinations thereof. Accordingly, such provides additional comfort and convenience to the user. There may also be additional accessories that do not include universal coupling structures, such as but not limited to additional cords, lines, straps, hooks, cleaners, zipper sliders, snaps, clips, hook-and-loop strips with adhesive backs, water-proofing treatments, and the like and combinations thereof that may be included with the kit.

In operation, a user may transport the kit to a desired location (e.g. campground, backyard, hunting/fishing spot, festival, backyard, park). The user may open the container to remove items from the kit. The user may connect the hammock base to a pair of supports and then select, one or more accessories from the kit and couple them to the base and/or to each other into one or more modes (See FIGS. 11-16 for non-limiting examples of such). The user may enjoy the hammock in its mode, but then, perhaps due to changing circumstances, the user may reconfigure the hammock by coupling/decoupling the accessories of the kit as desires into a second mode. The user may repeat this as often as desired. The user may then decouple the components of the kit, return them to the container and then transport the kit to a new location (e.g. storage).

Looking to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a splitter attachment accessory (splitter) 500. The splitter includes a first vane 510 that is coupled to each of a second vane 520 and third vane 530. Each of the first, second and third vanes includes a universal coupling structure, with the illustrated structure being a zipper element 540, 550, 560 and the first vane also including a zipper slider 570. The splitter 500 allows a user to couple two accessories together in a stacked/parallel manner as opposed to being limited, without the splitter, to being coupled in series. FIGS. 13-15 show non-limiting examples of such stacked/parallel couplings.

While the illustrated splitter includes exactly three vanes, each including a universal coupling structure, it is understood that a splitter may have any number of vanes, e.g. 4, 5, 6, 7 as feasible using the materials and as desired for various modes. Further, while only one slider is illustrated, it may be that each universal connector includes its own zipper slider and/or may include a pair of zipper sliders that allow for various coupling modes (e.g. closed-end, open end (separator-type), two-way separator, head-to-head double zipper sliders, and bottom-to-bottom double zipper sliders, reversible sliders, removable sliders, locking sliders, automatic locking sliders, double pull sliders (can open close from both outside and from inside)).

Looking to FIGS. 7-9 there is shown a variety of different extender attachment accessories (extender or extender attachment) 700, 800, 900. Each includes a strip of extension material 710, 810, 910 along with paired universal coupling structures 720, 730: 820, 830: and 920, 930 that are attached along longitudinal edges thereof.

The illustrated strips of extension material 710, 810, and 910 may be of flexible, cloth-like material such as but not limited to cloth/fabric, netting, screen (e.g. mosquito screen) and the like and combinations thereof. The strip may be of a more rigid material such as but not limited to plexiglass, plastic/rubber sheets, metal/foil, and the like and combinations thereof. The strip may be multilayered, waterproof/resistant, breathable, transparent, translucent, and the like and combinations thereof.

The illustrated universal coupling structures are as follows: 720, 730 are zipper elements; 820, 830 are zipper elements with corresponding; sliders 840, 850; and 920, 930 are hook-and-loop strips. Accordingly, each extension 700, 800, 900 is able to couple to a corresponding hammock system to lengthen one or more accessories and/or the spaces therebetween.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an extender attachment in operation according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a first hammock accessory 1040 coupled to a second hammock accessory 1010, which is an extender, which extender is also coupled to a third hammock accessory 1050. Paired and coupled universal coupling structures 1020 and 1030 couple each to the other as illustrated, wherein the first hammock accessory includes a first opposite accessory coupling structure that is disposed opposite the first accessory coupling structure (not shown) and wherein the second accessory coupling structure is selectably couplable thereto, such that the first and second hammock accessories may be coupled together in series.

Wherein the coupling structures are zippers, there is hammock system with serially connecting zippered accessories that couple to zippers on the hammock body. Accordingly, a user may advantageously reconfigure and customize a hammock to existing/pertinent needs on an ongoing basis in real-time.

FIGS. 11-16 are cross-sectional views of assembled hammocks according to various embodiments of the invention. A cross-section of a person inside the hammock is omitted to allow focus on the structure of the hammock system(s) even though the manner in which the accessories lie may imply that a hammock includes a person.

FIG. 11 shows a full-wrapped mode 1100 wherein a waterproof wrap 1120 is coupled to a universal coupling structure 1130 on one side of the hammock base 1110. The wrap 1120 is not coupled to the universal coupling structure on the other side of the base 1110, but instead wraps all the way around the base and coupled to an external side-mounted universal coupling structure on itself 1140. This creates a full and complete wrap about the entire base and protects the interior of the hammock from water, wind, rain, and/or other elements.

FIG. 12 shows a multiple series of accessories mode 1200 wherein a pair of powered accessories 1220 and 1240 are coupled to each side of a base 1210 at universal coupling structures 1270 and are coupled to each other indirectly through a cover 1230 having an interior pocket 1250 at universal coupling structures 1260. It may be that the powered accessories are different, e.g. one is a lighted speaker system while the other is a filtered fan for exchanging air with the outside. The illustrated system consists of a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and accessories that are selectably removable and re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order. Accordingly, the two powered accessories could be coupled directly to each other.

FIGS. 13 and 14 shows a covered pocket mode 1300, 1400 wherein a splitter is coupled to a base 1310, 1410 and forms the universal connector 1330, 1440 to which a cover 1330, 1420 is coupled and a pocket accessory 1340, 1430 is coupled thereto and either disposed inside 1340 or outside 1430 of the hammock bed. The illustrated pocket is selectably sealable to itself (See component 1350 of FIG. 13). Accordingly, a user may have a covered hammock simultaneous with a pocketed hammock and the pocket may be configured to be accessed from either inside the hammock or outside the hammock.

FIG. 15 illustrates a multi-layered hammock configuration 1500 wherein there is a splitter 1520 that couples to each of a hammock bed 1510, a tarp 1530, a blanket 1560 and a vented cover 1540. A second splitter 1550 couples each of the hammock bed 1510, blanket 1560, and the vented cover 1540. The vented cover 1540 includes a screened vent 1580 that is selectably sealable by a cover 1570 coupled thereto, similar to how tent entrances often have a selectably closable screen. The tarp 1530 allows the user to place objects thereon (e.g. shoes) and protect those objects from dirt/mud/etc. from the ground and allow the user to walk thereon without contacting the ground (e.g. socked feet). Accordingly, the user has increased comfort and convenience. The blanket may be a blanket, an air mattress, padding, insulation, or the like or combinations thereof.

FIG. 16 illustrates an expanded screened mode 1600 of a hammock system, wherein a hammock bed 1610 is coupled via a splitter 1650 to each of a pair of winglets 1640 and a pillow accessory 1620, while each winglet 1640 is coupled to a mosquito netting 1630. There is a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and accessories that are selectably removable and re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order.

The illustrated pillow accessory 1620 includes a cushion 1622 disposed in a middle region therein on which a user may rest their head/feet/etc. The pillow accessory, being coupled to the bed 1610 will not blow away from a strong wind and will remain generally centered during use, thereby not falling out while a user is sleeping.

The illustrated winglets 1640 extend the effective width of the hammock bed 1610. They each include a ring 1642 or other coupling structure to which a line may be coupled that couples to the support structure (e.g. trees)) so that the winglet is supported in the same manner as the hammock bed 1610.

The illustrated mosquito netting 1630 is lifted above the user to provide for enhanced comfort and space. The mosquito netting 1630 includes a support member 1632 disposed under a middle region thereof that is coupled to a coupling member 1634 configured to couple about a line extending between the supports above the hammock bed. Thereby the line is able to hold up the support member, which keeps the mosquito netting lifted as well.

Accordingly, a user may recline in comfort and enhanced space while being protected from insects.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the illustrated hammock is of a particular type, it is understood that the types and styles of hammocks are plethoric and that, unless specifically restricted by a positive limitation, any and all hammock types and styles may be utilized with the present invention.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate collars disposed about trees as supports, it is understood that the specific types of coupling devices to the supports are plethoric, including but not limited to rope/cord, eyelets that couple to one or more fixed mounts, paracord, webbing, tie-downs, clips, hooks, anchors, and the like and combinations thereof. Further, such may be coupled to something other than a tree, such as but not limited to permanent supports, posts, walls, scaffolds, and the like and combinations thereof.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the accessories may be decorated and/or ornamented in any manner and/or may be color coded to match with instructions included with a kit for particular combinations.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastics, woven fibers, natural fibers, rubbers, metals, wood, bone, ceramics, and the like and combinations thereof.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hammock system, comprising: a. a hammock bed having a flexible support member having connectors at each of a first end and a second end for coupling to external supports, the support ember having first and second longitudinal sides each extending between the first and second ends, further including first and second bed coupling structures disposed along each of the first and second longitudinal sides, respectively, of the hammock bed opposite from each other such that accessories may be selectably coupled along each of the first and second longitudinal sides of the hammock bed; b. a first hammock accessory having a first accessory coupling structure that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures; and c. a second hammock accessory having a second accessory coupling structure that is selectably couplable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures.
 2. The hammock system of claim 1, wherein the first and second bed coupling structures and the first and second accessory coupling structures are all of a type of coupling structure selected from the group of coupling structures consisting of: zippers, hook-and-loop, snaps, mating straps and buckles, and clips.
 3. The hammock system of claim 1, wherein the first hammock accessory includes a first opposite accessory coupling structure that is disposed opposite the first accessory coupling structure and wherein the second accessory coupling structure is selectably couplable thereto, such that the first and second hammock accessories may be coupled together in series.
 4. The hammock system of claim 1, wherein the first hammock accessory is selected from the group of hammock accessories consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, sleeping bags, pads, pillows, blankets, and ground tarps.
 5. The hammock system of claim 4, wherein the second hammock accessory is a powered accessory.
 6. The hammock system of claim 5, wherein the powered accessory is selected from the group of powered accessories consisting of: an array of lights, a fan, a powered heating elements, and an audio speaker.
 7. The hammock system of claim 1, further comprising a splitter accessory including a first splitter coupling structure that is selectably coupleable to each of the first and second bed coupling structures, the first splitter coupling structure being physically coupled to an array of additional coupling structures splayed therefrom such that the first hammock accessory and the second hammock accessory may be coupled thereto in parallel.
 8. A hammock system, comprising a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and accessories that are selectably removable and re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order.
 9. The hammock system of claim 8, wherein the hammock parts include a hammock bed and at least two hammock parts selected from the group of hammock parts consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, ground tarps, side-bags, sleeping bags, pads, pillows, blankets, and powered accessories.
 10. The hammock system of claim 9, wherein the powered accessory is selected from the group of powered accessories consisting of: an array of lights, a fan, a powered heating elements, and an audio speaker.
 11. The hammock system of claim 8, wherein the hammock parts are selectably coupled to each other by operation of longitudinal universal connectors disposed along longitudinal ends of each of the parts.
 12. The hammock system of claim 11, wherein the universal connectors are selected from the group of connectors consisting of: zippers, hook-and-loop strips, and snaps.
 13. The hammock system of claim 8, further comprising a wrap-around waterproof cover that couples to an exterior of itself while wrapped about the rest of the hammock parts.
 14. The hammock system of claim 8, further comprising a pair of hammock extension winglets coupled to opposite sides of a hammock bed.
 15. A hammock kit, comprising: a. a hammock base shaped to operate as a hammock bed and including universal coupling structures extending longitudinally along each long-side of the hammock base, wherein universal coupling structures selectably couple to and decouple from each other; b. a plurality of hammock accessories, each including at least one universal coupling structure; and c. a container shaped and sized to contain all other components of the hammock kit.
 16. The hammock kit of claim 15, further comprising a powered accessory that includes a power supply and an electronic device functionally coupled to the power supply.
 17. The hammock kit of claim 15, wherein the plurality of hammock accessories are selected from the group of hammock accessories consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, and ground tarps.
 18. The hammock kit of claim 15, further comprising a splitter attachment and an extender attachment, each including universal coupling structures.
 19. A hammock system, consisting of a multiplicity of serially coupled hammock parts and accessories that are selectably removable and re-coupleable to each other along their longitudinal ends in any order.
 20. The hammock system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of hammock accessories are selected from the group of hammock accessories consisting of: water-proof covers, mosquito netting, waterproof shells, vented covers, extension winglets, side-bags, sleeping bags, pads, pillows, blankets, ground tarps, and powered accessories. 